System comprising a dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher

ABSTRACT

A system includes a dishwasher having a dishwasher cavity, a door for closing the dishwasher cavity, and a number of receptacles receiving items to be washed. A control apparatus executes a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash the items to be washed. A pivoting facility is provided to automatically pivot the door, and a movement facility automatically moves at least one of the receptacles. An ascertaining unit ascertains a loading request of a user of a number of loading requests for loading and unloading the dishwasher cavity, and a determining unit determines a movement sequence including a pivoting of the door and a movement of one of the receptacles based on the ascertained loading request. An actuation unit actuates the pivoting facility and the movement facility so as to perform the determined movement sequence.

The present invention relates to a system having a dishwasher, such as for example a household dishwasher, and also a method for operating a dishwasher.

A household dishwasher comprises at times a dishwasher cavity, which can be closed by a door and has a number of receptacles for items to be washed in order to receive items to be washed, and a control apparatus for executing a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash items to be washed.

The document DE 10 2017 218 493 A1 discloses a household dishwasher having a housing, a door that is connected in a pivotable manner to the housing, a cable that is connected to the door, a roller that is in contact with the cable and a motor that is configured so as to drive the roller so as to move the cable in such a manner that a pivoting movement of the door is initiated.

The document DE 10 2017 213 699 A1 describes a household dishwasher which comprises a dishwasher cavity, a receptacle for items to be washed in order to receive items to be washed and a raising facility that is configured so as to displace the receptacle for items to be washed in a first displacement plane from a starting state, which is arranged within the dishwasher cavity, into an end state that is arranged outside of the dishwasher cavity or vice versa and that is configured so as to raise the receptacle for items to be washed in a second displacement plane, which is different from the first displacement plane, from a starting position into an end position and to lower the receptacle for items to be washed from the end position into the starting position. In this case the raising facility has a linear drive and a coupling unit for coupling the receptacle for items to be washed to the linear drive, wherein the coupling unit can be brought from a first coupling state in which the receptacle for items to be washed is coupled to the linear drive so that this receptacle for items to be washed can only be displaced in the first displacement plane with the aid of the linear drive into a second coupling state in which the receptacle for items to be washed is coupled to the linear drive so that this receptacle for items to be washed can only be displaced in the second displacement plane with the aid of the linear drive and vice versa.

Against this background, an object of the present invention resides in further improving the operation of a dishwasher.

In accordance with a first aspect, a system is proposed having a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, having a dishwasher cavity, which can be closed by a door and has a number of receptacles for items to be washed in order to receive items to be washed, a control apparatus for executing a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash items to be washed, a pivoting facility for automatically pivoting the door and a movement facility for automatically moving at least one of the receptacles for items to be washed, said system also having an ascertaining unit for ascertaining a loading request of a user of a number of loading requests for loading and unloading the dishwasher cavity, having a determining unit for determining a movement sequence comprising at least one pivoting of the door and at least one movement of one of the receptacles for items to be washed based on the ascertained loading request, and having an actuation unit that is configured so as to actuate the pivoting facility and the movement facility so as to perform the determined movement sequence.

The guided loading and unloading process leads to the optimal loading and accordingly optimal washing results, in particular comprising cleaning, drying and preservation of items to be washed coordinated to the individual loading and user situation.

It is possible due to the use of the ascertaining unit, the determining unit and the actuation unit to advantageously actuate the pivoting facility so as to open and close the door and the movement facility so as to extend and retract receptacles for items to be washed in such a manner that the loading and unloading of the dishwasher is improved. On the one hand, the loading and unloading of the dishwasher is improved since the loading can be optimized with regard to the washing result. For example, if the user of the dishwasher approaches with a dirty pot, the door can thus be opened automatically and the lower receptacle for items to be washed (for example the lower rack) can be raised in order to render it possible for the user to arrange the dirty pot in this receptacle for items to be washed. The lower receptacle for items to be washed can then be retracted into the dishwasher cavity, the door can be closed and the dirty pot that is arranged in the lower receptacle for items to be washed can be washed optimally.

On the other hand, the loading and unloading of the dishwasher is improved since both the loading as well as the unloading can be performed in a manner that is ergonomic for the user. Due to the automatic raising of the lower receptacle for items to be washed, effects that are particularly useful for preserving backs come into effect.

Moreover, fewer manual interactions of the user with the dishwasher are required due to the automatic opening and closing of the door and also due to the automatic extension and retraction of the receptacles for items to be washed and the operability becomes easier due to avoiding the manual opening and closing. In particular, the user no longer needs to open the door or move receptacles for items to be washed with dirty hands.

The determined movement sequence can also be referred to as an automated movement sequence. The automated movement sequence comprises at least one pivoting of the door (opening and/or closing of the door) and at least one movement of one of the receptacles for items to be washed, for example of the upper rack and/or of the lower rack. In particular, the automated movement sequence comprises a door opening and a door closing in combination with an automated retraction and extension for the lower rack and also the upper rack and an automated raising of the lower rack to the height level of the upper rack.

For example, the number of loading requests of the user for loading and unloading the dishwasher can comprise: loading the lower rack, loading the upper rack, loading the lower rack and also the upper rack, unloading the lower rack, unloading the upper rack, unloading the lower rack and also the upper rack.

The control apparatus can be implemented in a hardware technical manner and/or also in a software technical manner. The control apparatus is integrated in particular in the dishwasher. Alternatively, the control apparatus can also be arranged outside of the dishwasher. In the case of a hardware technical implementation, the control apparatus can be designed for example as a computer or as a microprocessor. In the case of a software technical implementation, the control apparatus can be designed as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of a program code or as an executable object.

The control apparatus is at times configured so as to execute a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash the items to be washed. A washing program comprises for example various part program steps such as for example pre-washing, cleaning, rinsing and/or drying. Various washing programs differ from one another for example in a sequence and/or type of the part program steps, and also in various operating parameters, such as for example a duration and/or rinse water temperature of one or multiple part program steps.

Items to be washed are arranged in the washing chamber, in particular on one or multiple receptacles for items to be washed, so as to be washed with the household dishwasher. The items to be washed comprise in particular various dishes, cutlery and/or tools that are used to prepare, store and/or consume foods. These are for example plates, pots, cups, knives, glasses and more of the like.

In accordance with one embodiment, the number of receptacles for items to be washed comprises a lower rack and an upper rack. In this case, the movement facility preferably has a raising facility that is configured so as to raise the lower rack from a starting position into an end position and/or to lower from the end position into the starting position.

Moreover, the dishwasher preferably has a guiding facility with the aid of which the lower rack can be displaced from a starting state that is arranged within the dishwasher cavity, into an end state that is arranged outside of the dishwasher cavity and vice versa, wherein the raising facility comprises a lifting lever that is connected in a pivotable manner to the dishwasher cavity and the guiding facility, and the lifting lever has a guiding contour that is configured so as to lock the lower rack in the end position when the lower rack is raised from the starting position into the end position and when the lower rack is lowered from the end position into the starting position in the end state so that the lower rack can only be displaced in the starting position from the starting state into the end state and vice versa.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the movement facility comprises an extension facility that is configured so as to extend the upper rack from a starting position into an end position and/or to retract from the end position into the starting position. The extension facility comprises in particular a linear drive.

In this case it is also possible that the extension facility extends the upper rack only to an intermediate position that is placed between the starting position and the end position in order to render it possible for the user to place items to be washed into the upper rack and subsequently to retract the upper rack. The location of this intermediate position can be learned during operation of the dishwasher or alternatively can also be predetermined by the user, for example by means of an app.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the determining unit is configured so as to determine a movement sequence comprising at least one pivoting of the door and a number of movements of the lower rack and/or of the upper rack based on the ascertained loading request. In this case, the actuation unit is preferably configured so as to actuate the pivoting facility, the raising facility and/or the extension facility so as to perform the determined movement sequence.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the determining unit is configured so as to determine the movement sequence based on the ascertained loading request and in dependence upon analysis data comprising user data, appliance data, data relating to the items to be washed and/or environmental data.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the user data comprises person-related data of the user and/or user preferences of the user during operation of the dishwasher.

The person-related data of the user comprises for example a body size of the user, which can be taken into consideration when the lower rack is raised at most to the level of the upper rack. If the user is for example relatively small, the lower rack is thus only raised to below the height of the upper rack in order to provide this small user with a possibility for loading the lower rack, which is as ergonomic as possible. For example, the user preferences comprise a time-of-day at which the user loads the dishwasher with items to be washed, a time-of-day at which the user starts the dishwasher, and/or a time-of-day at which the user unloads the dishwasher. The user preferences of the user can be learned for example during operation of the dishwasher, in particular by means of machine learning. The user preferences can however also be input additionally or alternatively by the user by means of an app or another user interface also on the dishwasher.

The user data can also comprise feedback that is received from the user in response to a past washing procedure or a plurality of past washing procedures.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the appliance data comprises a history of the selected washing programs, a respective duration, a respective time and/or a frequency of door openings of the door, a number, a respective time, a respective duration and/or a frequency of a movement of the lower rack, a number, a respective time, a respective duration and/or a frequency of a movement of the upper rack, a time in which the upper rack is retained in an extended state, a time in which the lower rack is retained in a raised state, a percentage extent to which the lower rack is filled, a percentage extent to which the upper rack is filled, a location-specific indication of the extent to which the lower rack is filled and/or a location-specific indication of the extent to which the upper rack is filled.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the data relating to the items to be washed is derived from image data of the items to be washed that are received or are to be received in the dishwasher cavity, said image data being captured by means of an optical sensor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a camera, wherein the image data comprises a photo, a sequence of photos and/or a video of the dishwasher cavity. In addition, the optical sensor can also be configured so as to capture image data from items to be washed, which are to be newly brought into the dishwasher cavity.

The optical sensor is in particular part of an eye tracking module. The eye tracking module is configured so as to provide eye tracking data from an eye tracking of eye movements of a user of the dishwasher. Moreover, an ascertaining unit is provided that is integrated for example in the control apparatus of the dishwasher. The ascertaining unit is configured so as to ascertain a specific user input for the operation of the dishwasher in dependence upon the eye tracking data that is provided.

It is possible due to the proposed eye tracking module and the ascertaining unit for the user to effect user inputs so as to operate the dishwasher via their eye movements. The user can thereby also then operate the dishwasher even if their hands are full with dishes, their hands are dirty or a voice input can no longer be used for example on account of a high ambient volume.

Overall, the eye tracking module and the ascertaining unit render it possible to operate the dishwasher in a contactless manner in many application cases in which other input modalities, such as for example via haptic or voice, are not possible or are only possible in a limited manner.

Eye movements of the user is to be understood in the present case in particular as a specific glance of the user at the dishwasher or a specific viewing direction of the user at the dishwasher.

The data relating to the items to be washed preferably also comprises data regarding the type of the loading of the dishwasher cavity, in particular with regard to material, shape and/or type of the dirtying of the items to be washed.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the environmental data comprises a prevailing value and/or a progression of a temperature, a prevailing value and/or a progression of an air pressure, a prevailing value and/or a progression of an air moisture and/or a prevailing value and/or a progression of exterior noises.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the determining unit is configured so as, after a loading request of the user is ascertained, to analyze prevailing analysis data and the ascertained loading request by means of a model comprising a plurality of rules in order to determine the movement sequence.

In the present case, the rules can also be referred to as decision rules. The model having the rules is preferably integrated into the dishwasher. The rules and correlations of the individual parameters, which determine the rules, can also be adapted individually by the user, for example using a voice input unit. In this regard, alternatively or in addition an app can also be used which is integrated on a mobile terminal of the user, for example a smartphone or a tablet. In this case, this is preferably a learning system due to the possibility of continuous model-based adaptation of the decision rules.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the determining unit is configured so as, after a loading request of the user is ascertained, to analyze prevailing analysis data and the ascertained loading request by means of machine learning, in particular by means of a neural network, in order to determine the movement sequence.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the system comprises a voice input unit that is configured so as to capture voice commands of the user so as to adapt the machine learning for the determination of the movement sequence.

The voice input unit can be integrated for example on an outer shell of the dishwasher and can be coupled to the control apparatus of the dishwasher. Alternatively, the voice input unit can also be implemented on a mobile terminal of the user, for example a smartphone or a tablet.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the system comprises a storage unit that is configured so as to store movement sequences, which are determined by the determining unit by means of the machine learning, as learned movement sequences.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the system comprises a transmitting unit that is configured so as to transmit the learned movement sequences via a network to a further dishwasher.

The learned movement sequences can also be transmitted by means of the transmitting unit to a server, in particular of the appliance manufacturer. The server of the appliance manufacturer can perform in particular a cluster analysis of the use behavior of different users and can offer optimized movement sequences for a plurality of users and their dishwashers.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the ascertaining unit has:

-   a proximity sensor for detecting an approach of a user to the     dishwasher, which is indicative of a loading request, -   a voice input unit for capturing a voice input of the user, which is     indicative of a loading request, -   a gesture input unit for capturing a gesture input of the user,     which is indicative of a loading request, and/or -   a haptic input unit for capturing a haptic user input of the user,     which is indicative of a loading request.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the system has a facility that is external to the dishwasher and the facility integrates at least the ascertaining unit.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the ascertaining unit is designed as part of an app that can be installed on the external facility.

The external facility is in particular a mobile device that can also be referred to as a mobile terminal. The mobile device is for example a smartphone, a tablet or a tablet computer. The app can also be referred to as an application, as application software or as an application program. The app can be designed in particular as a program, as a computer program, as software, as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of program code or as an executable object.

In particular, the dishwasher comprises a communications unit that can be coupled for example by means of a network to the external facility and thereby to the app that is installed on the external facility. The network comprises in this case in particular a mobile radio network, a WLAN and/or a further wireless or cable-bound data network.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the external facility integrates the ascertaining unit and also the determining unit.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the dishwasher integrates the ascertaining unit and also the determining unit.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, the dishwasher integrates the ascertaining unit, the determining unit and also the actuation unit.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, the actuation unit is implemented as part of the control apparatus of the dishwasher.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, a sensor apparatus is arranged on the door so as to output a sensor signal that is indicative of the door. In this case, the control apparatus is preferably configured so as to capture the sensor signal and so as to identify an anomalous state from a number of predetermined anomalous states of the door in dependence upon the sensor signal that is captured and so as to perform a predetermined action in dependence upon the anomalous state that is identified.

Details in this regard are described in the international patent application WO 2019/105832 A1 (PCT/EP2018/082164) the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In accordance with a second aspect, a computer program product for a computer for operating a dishwasher is proposed, wherein the computer program product comprises commands that trigger the computer to perform the following steps when the computer program product is executed:

-   loading learned movement sequences from a storage unit that is     preferably configured so as to store movement sequences, which are     determined by means of machine learning during operation of a     further dishwasher, as learned movement sequences, and -   performing at least a part of the loaded movement sequences so as to     operate the dishwasher.

In accordance with a third aspect, a method is proposed for operating a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, having a dishwasher cavity, which can be closed by a door and has a number of receptacles for items to be washed in order to receive items to be washed, a control apparatus for executing a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash items to be washed, a pivoting facility for automatically pivoting the door and a movement facility for automatically moving at least one of the receptacles for items to be washed. The method comprises the following steps:

-   ascertaining a loading request of a user of a number of loading     requests so as to load and unload the dishwasher cavity, -   determining a movement sequence comprising at least one pivoting of     the door and at least one movement of one of the receptacles for     items to be washed based on the ascertained loading request, and -   actuating the pivoting facility and the movement facility so as to     perform the determined movement sequence.

The embodiments and features that are described for the proposed system apply accordingly for the proposed method.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, a computer program product is proposed that triggers the implementation of the method, which is explained above, on a program-controlled facility.

A computer program product, such as for example a computer program means, can be provided or delivered for example as a storage medium, such as for example a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD or also in the form of a downloadable file from a server in a network. This can be performed for example in a wireless communication network by the transmission of a corresponding file to the computer program product or the computer program means.

The following six examples can illustrate the functionality of the present system in an exemplary manner:

Example 1

A proximity sensor of the system identifies that a user is moving toward the dishwasher. Plates are identified in the hands of the user by means of a photo of a camera of the system, for example integrated in the outer shell of the dishwasher. The door of the dishwasher consequently opens entirely, the lower rack moves out and is raised in accordance with the body size of the user at most to the height of the upper rack in order to render it possible for the user to ergonomically load the dishwasher. After loading, if the user moves away from the dishwasher, the lower rack is lowered and retracted and the door closes automatically.

Example 2

A proximity sensor of the system identifies that a user is moving toward the dishwasher. Plates and glasses are identified in the hands of the user by means of a photo of a camera of the system, for example integrated in the outer shell of the dishwasher. The door of the dishwasher opens entirely, the lower rack moves completely out, and the upper rack moves halfway out. The user can thus comfortably load the correct racks with the two types of dishes. After loading, if the user moves away from the dishwasher, both of the racks are retracted, the door closes automatically.

A further embodiment of the above-described scenario in accordance with example 2 is as follows: The dishwasher identifies by means of the proximity sensor that a user is moving towards the dishwasher. Plates and glasses are identified in the hands of the user by means of a photo by a camera of the system. The door of the dishwasher opens completely, the upper rack and the lower rack move out. The user can thus initially load the glasses that are standing on the plates. After a short period of time, the upper rack is retracted and the lower rack is raised at most to the height of the upper rack depending on the body size of the user with the result that the user can comfortably and ergonomically load the rest of the plates. After loading, if the user moves away from the dishwasher, the lower rack is lowered and retracted, the door closes automatically.

Example 3

The user has the habit every morning of drinking a cup of coffee before they leave the house. The present system identifies this pattern on workdays in a learning phase particularly rapidly, in particular by means of machine learning. In this regard, analytical data is evaluated in relation to the door opening, time and loaded dishes, in the present case an empty coffee cup. In this regard, it is possible to use in particular appliance data, data relating to the items to be washed and photos that are evaluated.

After a short period of time, the user can therefore enjoy the fact that the dishwasher identifies in the morning if they are approaching the dishwasher with an empty coffee cup. The dishwasher opens the door 45° wide and moves the upper rack halfway out so that the user can immediately load the cup into the correct rack, in the present case the upper rack. After loading, if the user moves away from the dishwasher, the upper rack is retracted, the door closes automatically.

It is preferred that the above-mentioned learning can also be supported actively by the user. For example, the user can communicate a rule to the dishwasher in a corresponding app, such as for example: “If I approach the dishwasher on workdays between 7 o′clock and 7:15 with a cup, the door opens 45° and the upper rack moves slightly out so that I can load the coffee cup.”

This movement sequence can also be triggered for example by a gesture control.

Example 4

The automated movement sequence can be adapted due to an analysis of user data with a focus on the daily routine. The following example relates to the loading process of the dishwasher after the evening meal on workdays.

In this case the following data can be analyzed.

-   a) Time of the door opening in relation to the course of the day     (frequency of the opening between 16:30 and 19:00); -   b) door opening duration (opening duration longer than 20 s); -   c) number of rack movements of the upper rack; -   d) number of rack movements of the lower rack; -   e) time in which the upper rack is retained in the rack positions     (rack remains extended longer than 20 s); -   f) time in which the lower rack is retained in the rack position     (rack remains extended longer than 20 s); -   g) number of times the lower rack is raised; -   h) time of the program start (program start only after loading, in     other words after 19:30).

The time in which the automatic door is open and the time in which the upper rack and lower rack are in the extended state are adapted due to the analysis of the above data.

It becomes clear due to the analysis of the user data that in each case on workdays the dishwasher is loaded after the evening meal, in other words in the time period between 16:30 and 19:00. This can be determined by the regularity and also characteristic of the parameters a) to h) disclosed above. If the dishwasher now identifies by the proximity sensor that the user is approaching with dishes in hand, the automatic movement sequence is triggered. In this scenario, the lower rack is not raised. Since particular items to be washed are loaded for both racks, the lower rack extends by 100% and the upper rack extends by 45% so that it is rendered possible to simultaneously load all the particular items to be washed that are relevant for this scenario. Due to the knowledge from the analysis of the user data in the event of the user moving away from the dishwasher, the racks are not retracted in an automated manner and the door is not closed since the loading in this scenario can last for multiple loading steps and/or over a longer period of time. Consequently, the loading procedure is only concluded by an active termination by the user or the occurrence of a predetermined number of loading steps or the occurrence of a predetermined threshold value for the time period. Concluded in this context means in particular the complete retraction of the upper rack and lower rack and also the subsequent closing of the door. The loading procedure and unloading procedure can consequently be individualized due to the adaptation of the rules to this user behavior.

Example 5

In this example, the focus of the analysis of the user data is on the following parameters a) to g):

-   a) number of rack movements of the upper rack; -   b) number of rack movements of the lower rack; -   c) the time in which the upper rack is retained in the respective     rack position; -   d) the time in which the lower rack is retained in the respective     rack position; -   e) number of times the lower rack is raised; -   f) washing programs that are used; -   g) start time points of the washing programs.

With the aid of a model, for example due to the use of the parameters a) to g) it is possible to create a prognosis for the extent to which the lower rack and the upper rack are filled as a percentage. For example, reference is to be made to the respective loading quantity that is calculated by the model.

-   extent to which the upper rack is filled: 95% -   extent to which the upper rack is filled: 50%

If the automated movement sequence is now triggered by a sensor signal, for example by voice control, by the proximity sensor, the upper rack is thus preferably extended since this has a higher probability of also actually being able to receive the particular items to be washed that are to be loaded. The lower rack is not automatically extended, however can be actuated at any time by the active operation of the user, for example by a voice input or by a button module.

Example 6

Due to learned movement sequences of a dishwasher, it is possible in the event of purchasing a new appliance to transmit these learned movement sequences to the new appliance. In this case, it is also possible due to learned movement sequences of many individual appliances to transmit these learned movement sequences to the new appliance that is purchased. It is also possible due to a cluster analysis of the use behavior of an individual appliance to suggest a rapid solution to the individual appliance by analyzing the movement sequences of all of the devices. In relation to this example 6, reference can be made to the above third aspect.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations that are not explicitly mentioned of features or embodiments that are described above or below in relation to the exemplary embodiments. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the subordinate claims and also the exemplary embodiments of the invention that are described below. The invention is further explained below with the aid of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system having a household dishwasher;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a system having a household dishwasher and an external facility; and

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a household dishwasher.

Identical or functionally identical elements in the figures have been provided with the same reference characters provided nothing different is indicated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system having a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a dishwasher cavity 2 that can be closed, in particular in a watertight manner, by a door 3. In this regard, a sealing facility (not illustrated) can be provided between the door 3 and the dishwasher cavity 2. The dishwasher cavity 2 is preferably cuboid. The dishwasher cavity 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The dishwasher cavity 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing items to be washed.

The door 3 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in its opened position. The door 3 can be closed or opened by a pivoting about a pivot axis 5 that is provided on a lower end of the door 3. In this regard, a pivoting facility is preferably used so as to automatically pivot the door 3. A pivoting facility is illustrated for example in DE 10 2017 218 493 A1.

With the aid of the door 3 it is possible to close or open a loading hatch 6 of the dishwasher cavity 2. The dishwasher cavity 2 has a floor 7, a ceiling 8 that is arranged lying opposite the floor 7, a rear wall 9 that is arranged lying opposite the closed door 3, and two side walls 10, 11 that are arranged lying opposite one another. The floor 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be produced for example from a stainless-steel sheet. Alternatively, for example the floor 7 can be produced from a plastic material.

Moreover, the household dishwasher 1 has at least one receptacle 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed. It is preferred that multiple, for example three, receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed can be provided, wherein the receptacle 12 for items to be washed can be a lower receptacle for items to be washed or a lower rack, the receptacle 13 for items to be washed can be an upper receptacle for items to be washed or an upper rack and the receptacle 14 for items to be washed can be a cutlery drawer. As is furthermore illustrated in FIG. 1 , the receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed are arranged one above the other in the dishwasher cavity 2. Each receptacle 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed can be selectively displaced into or out of the dishwasher cavity 2. In particular, each receptacle 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed can be slid into the dishwasher cavity 2 in a direction of insertion E and can be pulled out of the dishwasher cavity 2 opposite the direction of insertion E in a direction of extraction A.

In particular, the household dishwasher 1 comprises a movement facility for automatically moving at least one of the receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed. For example, the movement facility comprises an extension facility that is configured so as to extend the upper rack 13 from a starting position into an end position and/or from the end position into the starting position. In this case, it is also possible that the direction of extension extends the upper rack 13 from the starting position only to an intermediate position that is between the starting position and the end position in order to render it possible for the user to place items to be washed into the upper rack 13 and subsequently to retract the upper rack 13 from the intermediate position into the starting position.

Alternatively or in addition, the movement facility can also have a raising facility. The raising facility is configured so as to raise the lower rack 12 from a starting position into an end position in which the user can comfortably load items to be washed into the raised lower rack 12 or unload the items to be washed from the raised lower rack, and/or so as to lower the lower rack from the end position into the starting position.

An optical sensor 110 that is designed as a camera is arranged on the ceiling 8 so that this sensor is configured so as to capture image data of the dishwasher cavity 2 and in particular the items to be washed that are arranged in the washing chamber 4. The dashed lines below the camera 110 indicate a capture region of the camera 110. It is to be noted that the capture region is not limited to the washing chamber 4.

Moreover, the household dishwasher 1 has a control apparatus 100, an ascertaining unit 120, a determining unit 130, an actuation unit 140 and a voice input unit 150 that are arranged on the door 3. The actuation unit 140 is implemented as part of the control apparatus 100.

The control apparatus 100 is configured so as to execute a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash the items to be washed in the dishwasher cavity 2.

The ascertaining unit 120 is configured so as to ascertain a loading request of the user from a number of loading requests to load and unload the dishwasher cavity 2.

For example, the number of loading requests of the user comprises the following:

-   a) loading the lower rack 12, -   b) loading the upper rack 13, -   c) loading the lower rack 12 and also the upper rack 13, -   d) unloading the lower rack 12, -   e) unloading the upper rack 13, -   f) unloading the lower rack 12 and also the upper rack 13.

For example, the ascertaining unit 120 ascertains a loading request of the user from these various loading requests, for example from a corresponding voice input.

For example, the ascertaining unit 120 can have various sensors and/or input units. For example, the capture unit 112 has a proximity sensor for detecting an approach of the user to the household dishwasher 1, which is indicative of a loading request. The proximity sensor can be designed for example as an optical sensor and can be arranged on the outer shell of the household dishwasher 1. If the user approaches the household dishwasher 1, the proximity sensor can thus detect this and can interpret the detected approach as a loading request to load or unload the household dishwasher 1.

Alternatively or in addition, the ascertaining unit 120 can also have a voice input unit 150 (integrated or additional), a gesture input unit (not illustrated) and/or a haptic input unit (not illustrated).

The voice input unit 150 is configured for example so as to capture a voice input of the user, which is indicative of a loading request. If for example the user says “please extend upper rack”, the ascertaining unit 120 can thus interpret this as a loading request and accordingly relay the ascertained loading request to the determining unit 130.

Alternatively or in addition, the ascertaining unit 120 can also comprise a gesture input unit for capturing a gesture input of the user, which is indicative of a loading request, and/or a haptic input unit, such as for example a physical button or a button of a touch sensitive screen, so as to capture a haptic user input of the user, which is indicative of a loading request.

Based on the loading request of the user, which is ascertained by the ascertaining unit 120, the determining unit 130 is configured so as to determine a movement sequence comprising at least one pivoting of the door 3 and at least one movement of one of the receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed. If, as in the above example, the user says “please extend the upper rack” then the movement sequence that is determined by the determining unit 130 comprises a pivoting of the door 3, in such a manner that the door 3 is entirely opened, and an extension of the upper rack 13 by means of the extension facility. Based on this determined movement sequence, the actuation unit 140 will then actuate the pivoting facility and the movement facility in such a manner that the determined movement sequence is actually performed, in other words in this example the door 3 is opened and the upper rack 13 is actually extended by the extension facility with the result that the user has the possibility of loading their items to be washed into the extended upper rack 3.

The loading request of the user can however also be to load the two receptacles 12, 13 for items to be washed, in other words the lower rack 12 and subsequently the upper rack 13, with items to be washed. In one such case, the determining unit 130 is configured so as to determine a movement sequence comprising a pivoting of the door 3 and a number of movements of the lower rack 12 and the upper rack 13 based on such an ascertained loading request. The actuation unit 140 will then actuate the pivoting facility for the door 3, the raising facility for the lower rack 12 and the extension facility for the upper rack 13 according to the embodiment of the determined movement sequence.

In this example, the movement sequence is in particular as follows: The door 3 is entirely opened by the pivoting facility and the corresponding actuation by the actuation unit 140. The lower rack 12 is then raised into the end position by the raising facility with the result that the user can then load the items to be washed into the raised lower rack 12. The lower rack 12 that is loaded with the items to be washed is then retracted into the dishwasher cavity 2 by the raising facility and a corresponding actuation by the actuation unit 140. The extension facility will then extend the upper rack 13 based on corresponding actuation by the actuation unit 140 with the result that the user can load the upper rack 13 with items to be washed. The extension facility will then retract the upper rack 13 that is loaded with dirty items to be washed and the actuation unit 140 will actuate the pivoting facility in such a manner that this pivoting facility entirely closes the door 3. The control apparatus 100 can then start the washing program that is selected by the user so as to wash the washing program that is located in the dishwasher cavity 2.

It is preferred that the determining unit 130 is configured so as to determine the movement sequence not just based on the ascertained loading request but rather also in dependence upon analysis data comprising user data, appliance data, data relating to the items to be washed and/or environmental data.

The user data comprises in particular person-related data of the user and/or user preferences of the user during operation of the household dishwasher 1.

The appliance data comprises in particular a history of the selected washing programs, a respective duration, a respective time and/or a frequency of door openings of the door 3, a number, a respective time, a respective duration and/or a frequency of a movement of the lower rack 12, a number, a respective time, a respective duration and/or a frequency of a movement of the upper rack 13, a time in which the upper rack 13 is retained in an extended state, a time in which the lower rack 12 is retained in a raised state, a percentage extent to which the lower rack 12 is filled, a percentage extent to which the upper rack 13 is filled, a location-specific indication of the extent to which the lower rack 12 is filled and a location-specific indication of the extent to which the upper rack 13 is filled.

The data relating to the items to be washed is derived for example from image data of the items to be washed that are received or are to be received in the dishwasher cavity 2, said image data being captured by means of an optical sensor 11.

The environmental data preferably comprises a prevailing value and/or a progression of a temperature, a prevailing value and/or a progression of an air pressure, a prevailing value and/or a progression of an air moisture and/or a prevailing value and/or a progression of exterior noises of the household dishwasher 1.

In this case, the determining unit 130 is configured in particular so as, after a loading request of the user is ascertained by the ascertaining unit 120, to analyze prevailing analysis data, such as for example the above-described analysis data, and the ascertained loading request by means of a model comprising a plurality of rules in order to determine the movement sequence.

Alternatively, the determining unit 130 can also use machine learning, for example based on a neural network, so as to determine the movement sequence. In order to adapt the machine learning, the user can input voice commands, in particular by means of a voice input unit 150.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a system having a dishwasher 1 and an external facility 200. The dishwasher 1 and the external facility 200 can be coupled via at least one network 300, for example the internet. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 in particular in that the ascertaining unit 120 and the voice input unit 150 are integrated in the external facility 200. The external facility 200 is for example a smartphone or a tablet. The ascertaining unit 120 is for example at least in part integrated in an app that is installed on the external facility 200 and is operated on this external facility.

Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to FIG. 2 comprises a storage unit 160 and a transmitting unit 170. The storage unit 160 is configured so as to store movement sequences, which are determined by the determining unit 130 by means of the machine learning, as learned movement sequences.

The transmitting unit 170 is configured so as to transmit the learned movement sequences via the network 300 to a further dishwasher (not illustrated) and/or to a server of the appliance manufacturer.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block circuit diagram of a method for operating a dishwasher 1 having a dishwasher cavity 2, which can be closed by a door 3 and has a number of receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed in order to receive items to be washed, a control apparatus 100 for executing a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash items to be washed, a pivoting facility for automatically pivoting the door 3 and a movement facility for automatically moving at least one of the receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed.

An example of a household dishwasher 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . The method of FIG. 3 comprises the steps S1 to S3:

In step S1, a loading request of a user is ascertained from a number of loading requests so as to load and unload the dishwasher cavity 2 of the dishwasher 1.

In step S2, a movement sequence comprising at least one pivoting of the door 3 and at least one movement of one of the receptacles 12, 13, 14 for items to be washed is determined based on the ascertained loading request.

In step S3, the pivoting facility and the movement facility are actuated so as to perform the determined movement sequence.

Although the present invention has been described with the aid of exemplary embodiments, the invention can be modified in diverse ways.

Reference characters that are used 1 Household dishwasher 2 Dishwasher cavity 3 Door 4 Washing chamber 5 Pivot axis 6 Loading hatch 7 Floor 8 Ceiling 9 Rear wall 10 Side wall 11 Side wall 12 Receptacle for items to be washed 13 Receptacle for items to be washed 14 Receptacle for items to be washed 100 Control apparatus 110 Optical sensor 120 Ascertaining unit 130 Determining unit 140 Actuation unit 150 Voice input unit 160 Storage unit 170 Transmitting unit 200 External facility 300 Network A Direction of extraction E Direction of insertion S1 Method step S2 Method step S3 Method step 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A system, comprising: a dishwasher including a dishwasher cavity, a door for closing the dishwasher cavity, and a number of receptacles configured to receive items to be washed; a control apparatus configured to execute a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash the items to be washed; a pivoting facility configured to automatically pivot the door; a movement facility configured to automatically move at least one of the receptacles; an ascertaining unit configured to ascertain a loading request of a user of a number of loading requests for loading and unloading the dishwasher cavity; a determining unit configured to determine a movement sequence comprising a pivoting of the door and a movement of one of the receptacles based on the ascertained loading request; and an actuation unit configured to actuate the pivoting facility and the movement facility so as to perform the determined movement sequence.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the dishwasher is a household dishwasher.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the number of receptacles comprises a lower rack and an upper rack, said movement facility comprising a raising facility configured to raise the lower rack from a starting position into an end position and/or to lower the lower rack from the end position into the starting position.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the movement facility comprises an extension facility configured to extend the upper rack from a starting position into an end position and/or to retract the upper rack from the end position into the starting position.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the determining unit is configured to determine a movement sequence comprising a pivoting of the door and a number of movements of the lower rack and/or the upper rack based on the ascertained loading request, said actuation unit configured to actuate the pivoting facility, the raising facility and/or the extension facility so as to perform the determined movement sequence.
 21. The system of claim 16, wherein the determining unit is configured to determine the movement sequence based on the ascertained loading request and in dependence upon analysis data comprising user data, appliance data, data relating to the items to be washed and/or environmental data.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the number of receptacles comprises a lower rack and an upper rack, and further comprising an optical sensor, wherein the user data comprises person-related data of the user and/or a user preference of the user during operation of the dishwasher, wherein the appliance data comprises a history of selected washing programs, a respective duration, a respective time and/or a frequency of door openings of the door, a number, a respective time, a respective duration and/or a frequency of a movement of the lower rack, a number, a respective time, a respective duration and/or a frequency of a movement of the upper rack, a time in which the upper rack is retained in an extended state, a time in which the lower rack is retained in a raised state, a percentage extent to which the lower rack is filled, a percentage extent to which the upper rack is filled, a location-specific indication of the extent to which the lower rack is filled and/or a location-specific indication of the extent to which the upper rack is filled, wherein the data relating to the items to be washed is derived from image data of the items to be washed that are received or are to be received in the dishwasher cavity, with the image data being captured by the optical sensor, and/or wherein the environmental data comprises a prevailing value and/or a progression of a temperature, a prevailing value and/or a progression of an air pressure, a prevailing value and/or a progression of an air moisture and/or a prevailing value and/or a progression of exterior noises.
 23. The system of claim 16, wherein, after the loading request of the user is ascertained, the determining unit is configured to analyze prevailing analysis data and the ascertained loading request by using a model comprising a plurality of rules in order to determine the movement sequence.
 24. The system of claim 16, wherein, after the loading request of the user is ascertained, the determining unit is configured to analyze prevailing analysis data and the ascertained loading request using machine learning in order to determine the movement sequence.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the machine learning is based on a neural network.
 26. The system of claim 24, further comprising a voice input unit configured to capture a voice command of the user so as to adapt the machine learning for determination of the movement sequence.
 27. The system of claim 24, further comprising a storage unit configured to store movement sequences, which are determined by the determining unit by using the machine learning, as learned movement sequences.
 28. The system of claim 27, further comprising: a network; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the learned movement sequences via the network to a further dishwasher.
 29. The system of claim 16, wherein the ascertaining unit comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a proximity sensor for detecting an approach of a user to the dishwasher, which is indicative of the loading request, a voice input unit for capturing a voice input of the user, which is indicative of the loading request, a gesture input unit for capturing a gesture input of the user, which is indicative of the loading request, and a haptic input unit for capturing a haptic user input of the user, which is indicative of the loading request.
 30. The system of claim 16, further comprising a facility external to the dishwasher, wherein at least the ascertaining unit is integrated in the facility.
 31. A method for operating a dishwasher which includes a dishwasher cavity, a door for closing the dishwasher cavity, and a number of receptacles arranged in the dishwasher cavity for receiving items to be washed, said method comprising: ascertaining a loading request of a user of a number of loading requests so as to load and unload the dishwasher cavity; determining a movement sequence comprising a pivoting of the door and a movement of one of the receptacles based on the ascertained loading request; and actuating a pivoting facility to automatically pivot the door and a movement facility to automatically move the one of the receptacles so as to perform the determined movement sequence.
 32. The method of claim 31, for operating a household dishwasher as the dishwasher.
 33. A computer program product for operating a dishwasher, comprising a computer program embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the computer program, when loaded into a program-controlled facility and executed by the program-controlled facility, causes the program-controlled facility to implement a method as set forth in claim
 31. 